Argus News - Debrigarh Sanctuary To Become World-Class Eco-Tourism Destination; Dharmendra Pradhan Thanks PM Modi, CM Majhi

Bhubaneswar, Nov 27: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday welcomed the approval of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs71.19 crore for the development of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha as a world-class eco-tourism destination.

ଦେବ୍ରିଗଡ଼ ବନ୍ୟପ୍ରାଣୀ ଅଭୟାରଣ୍ୟକୁ ଏକ ବିଶ୍ୱମାନର ଇକୋଟୁରିଜିମ୍ ଡେଷ୍ଟିନେସନ୍ ଭାବରେ ବିକଶିତ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ୭୧.୧୯ କୋଟି ଟଙ୍କା ମୂଲ୍ୟର ଡିପିଆରକୁ ମଞ୍ଜୁରୀ ଦେଇଥିବାରୁ ମୁଁ ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @narendramodi, ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @MohanMOdisha ଏବଂ ରାଜ୍ୟ ଜଙ୍ଗଲ, ପରିବେଶ ଓ ଜଳବାୟୁ ମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ ଗଣେଶ ରାମ…

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) November 27, 2025

Pradhan Thanks PM Modi, CM Majhi

In a post on X, Pradhan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and State’s Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia for their support in advancing the project. He said the initiative will highlight Debrigarh’s natural beauty on the global stage, strengthen wildlife conservation, and create new opportunities for local employment and tourism.

About Debrigarh Sanctuary

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district, is one of Odisha’s most scenic and ecologically rich protected areas. Spread across 350 square kilometers, it is home to diverse wildlife including leopards, elephants, and migratory birds. The sanctuary is also known for its lush forests, water reservoirs, and cultural heritage, making it a promising site for eco-tourism.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Calls For Clean, Prosperous Sambalpur During ‘Ekta Padayatra’

Open year-round but especially enchanting during the winter months, Debrigarh combines panoramic views with warm local hospitality, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in the lap of nature.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled between Hirakud Dam and reservoir is a visual and sensory treat.

A natural wonder, this bio-diversity hotspot near Sambalpur is home to a wide variety of wildlife. If panoramic vistas, sounds and sights of the jungle and warm hospitality is… pic.twitter.com/gRuTyeKOC3

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) December 31, 2024

 
Dharmendra Pradhan’s Previous Visit  

Last year, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and praised its rich natural heritage and biodiversity. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he described Debrigarh as a “visual and sensory treat” and highlighted it as a destination best enjoyed during the winter months. His reflections underscored the importance of promoting eco-tourism and preserving Odisha’s unique ecological treasures, while appreciating the sanctuary’s scenic beauty and warm hospitality.

Boost to Tourism and Conservation

Officials noted that the project will balance conservation with tourism by developing eco-friendly infrastructure, enhancing visitor facilities, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The initiative is expected to position Odisha as a leading eco-tourism hub in India while preserving its biodiversity.